Bankwest has taken up one of the most prominent sponsorship positions in Western Australian sport, usurping Hungry Jack's as a major sponsor of the West Coast Eagles .
Bankwest and West Coast announced today a new major partnership, which will see the bank's logo take pride of place on the Eagles guernsey from next year.
The partnership will be a minimum four year commitment, but Bankwest managing director Jon Sutton said he looked forward to nurturing a long-term relationship with West Coast.
"Since I took over the role of managing director a couple of years ago it has been my long term aim to get on the front of the jumper here at the West Coast," Mr Sutton said.
"It's such an iconic brand, West Coast, it's got a huge fan base, and the piece that particularly appeals to me is the fact that it's got a massive fan base in regional Western Australia as well."
Mr Sutton said the deal would not affect the bank's sponsorship relationship with Super Rugby side Western Force, which Bankwest signed with last year.
West Coast Eagles chief executive Trevor Nisbett described the match with Bankwest as an "ideal fit", but said the decision to replace Hungry Jack's as a guernsey sponsor was not taken lightly.
"It was our decision and it was a tough decision to make, but having said that, we did it in the best interests of the club," Mr Nisbett said.
"We are hopeful that we can negotiate with Hungry Jack's and that they continue as they have with the club as a premier sponsor, but that will certainly be in the hands of Jack Cowin and Hungry Jack's."
Hungry Jacks, which joined West Coast as an inaugural major sponsor, said it was proud of its long association with the club but was disappointed it would no longer be a major sponsor.
"Hungry Jack's fully respects the Eagles' decision to replace it with a new co-sponsor and will review its sponsorship options with the club in light of this decision," Hungry Jacks said in a statement.
